Boychuk sidelined with back sprain

Boston, MA (SportsNetwork.com) - Boston Bruins defenseman Johnny Boychuk is
expected to be sidelined for a few days after being diagnosed with a sprained
back.

Boychuk was taken off the ice on a stretcher early in the first period of
Thursday's game against Montreal and Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli
gave an update on the blueliner's condition Saturday.

Chiarelli said Boychuk would be sidelined for at least three days and up to a
week because of the injury.

Boychuk went into the left-corner boards on Thursday to chase down a puck and
was pushed from behind by Montreal's Max Pacioretty. He hit the boards head
first and collapsed to the ice.

As he was immobilized and placed on the stretcher, Boychuk never lost
consciousness and was taken to Montreal General Hospital. He was able to fly
home with the team later that night.

Pacioretty was issued a boarding minor on the play at 4:28.

Boychuk has averaged a little over 21 minutes of ice time per game this
season, posting one goal and five assists in 27 contests.